It's no secret that Asbury Park's waterfront plays host to classic summertime fun pretty much 24/7 between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

But on Saturday, the excitement is set to hit a new high-water mark, thanks to a couple hundred mermaids and some scorching guitars.

First, the city's boardwalk will host the inaugural Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids at noon, then the party goes all day long at the nearby Asbury Lanes, 209 Fourth Ave., for the second annual Asbury Park Surf Music Festival.

The Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids is the creation of Jenn Mehm, a Jersey girl and lifelong mermaid aficionado.

"I think I've just always liked (mermaids) as a creature," Mehm explained. "I just think they're beautiful. I've collected little mermaid tchotchkes and statues and I have my bathroom all decorated mermaid-like. I've just always been fascinated by the creature. And, when I see how creative people get with costumes, it's exciting."

Originally from Marlboro, Mehm moved to California in 2000 and started the Sacramento Promenade of Mermaids there in 2011. She returned to New Jersey in 2012, moving to Asbury Park in 2013.

"I like being near the ocean. There's something very soothing about it," she said.

Just an ordinary day, with mermaids walking down the street.(Photo: Courtesy of Brian Hallas)

Saturday's Promenade of Mermaids begins at noon on the north beach side of the city's boardwalk. It will then make its way south, through the Grand Arcade and to the Casino building, then head back along Ocean Avenue, up Third Avenue and back to the boardwalk, where registered participants' costumes will be judged by local musician and emcee Don Dazzo.

The Promenade is the latest addition to an increasingly-crowded parade calendar for the Asbury Park boardwalk: the city's Easter Pageant Parade marked its 80th year this spring, and the annual New Jersey Zombie Walk is known the world over. It seems there's something about the Asbury boards that brings out a sense of pageantry in people.

"For us, being mermaids, I think it's just perfect to have a boardwalk to promenade on," said Mehm.

Dee McCallum (left to right), Tracy Coon and Jenn Mehm represent the Asbury Park Promenade of Mermaids in the Pride Parade in Asbury Park in June.(Photo: COURTESY OF JENN MEHM)

Surf's up

In keeping with the festively aquatic theme, Saturday also marks the return of the Asbury Park Surf Music Festival. Launched last year by Vincent Minervino, singer and guitarist of Freehold-based band the Brigantines, and his wife Magdalena, the event will bring more than a dozen bands, a pop-up hot rod show and plenty more retro fun at Asbury Lanes.

"Our vision of it was just to throw a big surf party and invite all of our friends, and that's what we're doing," said Minervino. "It's the highlight of our summer."

A Rochester, New York native who moved to New Jersey in 2007, Minervino said relocating to the Jersey Shore re-ignited an early love of classic surf music.

Classic surf music band the Fathoms plays Asbury Lanes on Saturday night.(Photo: Courtesy of the Asbury Park Surf Music Festival)

"Growing up, my parents listened to a lot of Beach Boys and all that," he recalled. "And of course, as you grow up you start out by listening whatever your parents listen to, and then there's a period of time where you sort of think you're cooler than them and go off and do your own thing. And then eventually you come back and realize, 'Oh, my parents were actually pretty cool.' "

This year's festival is set to feature classic instrumental surf music band the Fathoms, performing alongside a number of contemporary acts from the Shore area that all fall under the broad classification of surf music.

Asbury Park-based Los Pocos Locos are among the artists playing the Asbury Park Surf Music Festival.(Photo: Courtesy of CoolDad Music)

"Everyone has that surf feel, but everyone is very different. Everything form the Coffin Daggers who are a little surf punk with the sci-fi element all the way down to Glycerine Queens and Dentist, who have more of a surf/alternative feel," Minervino explained.

"But I think the thing that we all share is the love for New Jersey and the Shore, a love for the Asbury Park area and the beach, the rich music culture that exists in Asbury Park and everybody that is involved with that just has a unique element that they bring.

"There's a very high level of respect and support that exists in that scene, and it'll be awesome to have everybody together under one roof, a block away from the beach, in the middle of the summer."

WHERE: Starting at the north end of the Asbury Park Boardwalk, marching through the Grand Arcade and proceeding down the boardwalk to the Casino. The promenade will then turn onto Ocean Avenue and head up Third Avenue back to the boardwalk where costumes will be judged. Prizes will be awarded at the information booth between Third and Fourth Avenues.

ADMISSION: Free to observe and participate, but you must register to be eligible for prizes. Registration ($5) will take place on the north end of the boardwalk from 10 a.m. to noon.

INFO: www.asburyparkmermaids.com

The Asbury Park Surf Music Festival returns to Asbury Lanes on Fourth Avenue in Asbury Park on Saturday.(Photo: Courtesy of the Asbury Park Surf Music Festival)